Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ames, IA: $53,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ames, IA earns a median $53,520/year (≈ $25.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ames's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $60,250 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Among the veterinary technologist and technician roles in Ames, IA, the financial landscape appears promising with the median annual salary projected at $53,520 for 2026. When analyzing the overall salary range, which spans from $42,052 at the 10th percentile to $82,923 at the 90th percentile, it is evident that the local market rewards those who pursue advanced credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. This specialized certification is becoming increasingly vital for professionals aiming to step into higher-paying positions, as the demand for skilled workers in these specialties continues to increase in this regional job market. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, Ames exhibits a strong economic environment for veterinary technologists, bolstered by a growing need for veterinary services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,052 | $20.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,988 | $24.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,520 | $25.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,372 | $32.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,923 | $39.87 |
Median Salary Position
7.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
In Ames, IA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,871 (2026 est.). At $53,520, the local median is 7.07% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Ames: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ames Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ames median: $53,520/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ames Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,658 | +12.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +7.07% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ames, IA earn a median of $53,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 12.30% above the Iowa state average of $47,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ames has a cost of living 11.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ames, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $53,520 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,250 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.57% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,120
2025 BLS Actual
$50,730
2026 Current Est.
$53,520
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ames metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 23.4% from $41,120 (2019) to $50,730 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,344 (37.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,052 – $50,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,988 – $53,520 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,520 – $67,372 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,372 – $82,923 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Ames
The employment landscape in Ames boasts around 270 veterinary technologists and technicians, revealing a robust demand within the local market. This area features a cost of living index of 88.83, indicating that the expenses associated with living here are lower than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of salaries. Employers offering the most competitive veterinary technologist and technician pay in Ames often include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain hospitals like VCA, and university teaching hospitals. The disparity in pay within the field typically arises from factors such as the VTS specialty credential, with those holding this certification commanding premium salaries. Additionally, the corporate pay scales at larger chains may differ significantly from those at smaller, local practices. For those in Ames looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications, seeking roles in specialized or emergency facilities, and being open to opportunities with corporate entities can be effective strategies for increasing overall compensation and job security.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,730 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ames metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov